MLB News

Bombers bits

By
Bryan HochMLB.com

• The Yankees will wait until Tuesday to determine if Mark Teixeira (right wrist inflammation) is ready to return to the lineup, but Girardi said that does not necessarily mean they will decide whether Teixeira should be placed on the disabled list.

"Tuesday we're facing a lefty [the A's Scott Kazmir], and obviously we've felt that it's bothered him more facing a right-hander than a left-hander," Girardi said. "So we'll see where he's at Tuesday."

• The Yankees will wait until Tuesday to determine if Mark Teixeira (right wrist inflammation) is ready to return to the lineup, but Girardi said that does not necessarily mean they will decide whether Teixeira should be placed on the disabled list.

"Tuesday we're facing a lefty [the A's Scott Kazmir], and obviously we've felt that it's bothered him more facing a right-hander than a left-hander," Girardi said. "So we'll see where he's at Tuesday."

• With Teixeira unavailable, Girardi said that he believes Kelly Johnson is capable of handling defensive duties at first base. The Yankees have also tried McCann and Brendan Ryan at the position.

"I have a number of guys who are candidates, it's just a matter of who I decide to put there," Girardi said. "As I've said all along, I think Kelly's capable of handling it."

• Francisco Cervelli (right hamstring strain) has been running, taking batting practice and catching, and is "pretty close" to playing in Minor League games, according to Girardi. Cervelli was placed on the 60-day disabled list on April 15, retroactive to April 14, and John Ryan Murphy has been playing well as the backup catcher.

"We'll figure out what we're going to do in that situation, how we're going to use the guys and go from there," Girardi said. "Hopefully, the decision isn't easy for me -- that's always the worst part of it -- but Cervy was playing extremely well and gives us a lot of flexibility."

• On this date in 1925, Lou Gehrig began his record streak of 2,130 consecutive games played, pinch-hitting for Pee Wee Wanninger in a 5-3 loss to Washington at Yankee Stadium.